Explore our Helpful Glossary of Accounting Terms.

Glossary

A Comprehensive database of Business Accounting Terms. We keep you up to date with all the correct definitions

What is a Loss?

A loss is the amount of money that a company loses when its expenses exceed its revenue. This means that the company is spending more money than it is earning, resulting in a negative net income. Losses can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a decrease in sales, increased expenses, or poor financial management.

Like profits, there are different types of losses that a company can report, including gross loss, operating loss, and net loss. Gross loss is the amount of money that is lost when the cost of goods sold exceeds the revenue generated from the sale of those goods. Operating loss is the amount of loss that is incurred when the operating expenses exceed the revenue generated from the company's core business operations. Net loss is the total amount of loss that is incurred after all expenses, including taxes and interest payments, are deducted from the company's revenue.

Losses are a concern for companies, as they can negatively impact the company's financial health and long-term viability. Companies that report losses may struggle to pay their bills, invest in new projects or expansion, or attract new investors or customers.

However, it is important to note that losses can be a normal part of a company's operations, especially during times of growth or economic uncertainty. It is also possible for companies to bounce back from losses and return to profitability, through cost-cutting measures, strategic investments, or improved management practices.

Losses are a key component of a company's financial management, and companies must carefully monitor their expenses and revenue to ensure that they are operating effectively and sustainably over the long term.